Raceway system installation

[Dale001289]

Where is it stated in the NEC the entire raceway system shall be installed prior to installing cable?

 

[EC Dan]

300.18 Raceway Installations. (A) Complete Runs. Raceways, other than busways or exposed raceways having hinged or removable covers, shall be installed complete between outlet, junction, or splicing points prior to the installation of conductors.

 

[electrofelon]

That one is on my (long) list of code sections that should be nixed. Let's let the electricians in the field decide the best way to do something thank you.

 

[gadfly56]

That one is on my (long) list of code sections that should be nixed. Let's let the electricians in the field decide the best way to do something thank you.

Is it really that bad? It doesn't say every last stick and box for the entire job scope has to be installed before pulling wire, just between point "A" and point "B", and you get to pick. I would think you wouldn't want someone running a 1" RMC over some wire and then screwing it into a hub or EL. It's bad practice, for one, and you could abrade the wire, for another.

 

[petersonra]

That one is on my (long) list of code sections that should be nixed. Let's let the electricians in the field decide the best way to do something thank you.

when would it ever matter? the only thing this prohibits is putting the conductors inside the conduit before installing the conduit.

 

[tom baker]

“Code is code
We don’t like the rules we don’t agree with
They are ok for someone else
But not if they cost us time and money”
Mike Holt

 

[electrofelon]

Sometimes it is prudent to leave off say the last 90 and sleeve it over. Also, since I usually work alone, sometimes I need to sleeve PVC over the conductors rather than pull them in.

 

[Strathead]

Is it really that bad? It doesn't say every last stick and box for the entire job scope has to be installed before pulling wire, just between point "A" and point "B", and you get to pick. I would think you wouldn't want someone running a 1" RMC over some wire and then screwing it into a hub or EL. It's bad practice, for one, and you could abrade the wire, for another.

So, if you have to do a panel replacement, you must pull all wires back to the first junction box, replace the panel and then pull all the wires back in. Right! That code stinks. It is on the top of my list as well. Also, flex is a raceway. When was the last time you pulled wire through the conduit system and the 90 degree flex connector. If you pulled and then connected to the connector, you violated code.

 

[LarryFine]

This is a bit of hand-holding I choose to ignore. I have assembled conduit by sliding LBs, etc., over the wires.

 

[tom baker]

“Code is code
We don’t like the rules we don’t agree with
They are ok for someone else
But not if they cost us time and money”
Mike Holt

This is what Mike has said at his seminars when someone complains. However, I have been known to push wires thru a section of flex or a slide the LB over.

 

[jap]

If I do a panel replacement, there may not be a first junction box to be able to pull the wire back to.

Yes, Flex is a raceway.

I have never pulled wire through a 90d flex connector without taking it apart first.

If I do pull wire through 90d flex connectors, or, even 1" rigid conduit and skin the wire, I may be ignorant, but, I still haven't violated a code.

The only time I've violated a code is if an inspector happens to be with me when I'm doing a panel change out, or sleeving URD in a 300' ditch, or struggling trying to pull wires through 90d flex connector while he happens to be present.

At which time I'll be more than happy to stand back and have him show me exactly how to abide by the rule.

JAP>

 

[rc/retired]

As an inspector, I didn't have the time to babysit a job to make sure the installer complied with that code.
Or several other codes for that matter.

Ron

 

[jap]

As an inspector, I didn't have the time to babysit a job to make sure the installer complied with that code.
Or several other codes for that matter.

Ron

There are some rules where we need more inspectors like you.

JAP>

 

[electrofelon]

Ok , 3.5" 45 degree sealtite connector. Sleeve over conductors or pull thru??

 

[gadfly56]

Ok , 3.5" 45 degree sealtite connector. Sleeve over conductors or pull thru??

I can see your point. And it's possible, now that I think about it, that I may have slid a compression elbow or two over the conductors before connecting to the box or conduit.

 

[Fred B]

Metal conduit and fittings I believe less of an issue not having completed raceways other than potential sharp edges. But PVC type, the PVC glue/weld can degrade wire insulation if incedently making contact to the conductors.

I've seen a mfg that is making a coupler that is longer than usual that allows for it to be slid past the splice point and leaving a larger gap between the metal conduit length allowing adjustment or retrofitting conduit to a fixed box. The ad shows the wire already in the pipe. (Probably not to code.)

But I've also seen in one of the electrical rags an ad by Lowe's for Pros that had suggestions from "Pros?" The contributor suggested that they cut out large square holes in the bottom of a panel box to install large conductors and only covering edges of square hole with peice of PVC to prevent getting cut, no mention of even having conduit or how they were going to secure attach to the panel box for the 500kcmil wire going into the 1000A 480V panel. Doubt that is to code either.